Nottingham Forest did appeal Yohan Benalouane’s ban following his sending off at Sheffield United - but it is still Jack Colback’s suspension that rankles Martin O’Neill more.

And the Reds boss believes clubs should be allowed scope to appeal yellow cards in future, particularly if they lead to a ban.

Defender Benalouane will be available again after serving a two-match suspension, after being shown red when David McGoldrick tumbled on the edge of the penalty area at Bramall Lane, with little or no contact from the Tunisian.

Yohan Benalouane is given his marching orders at Bramall Lane (Image: James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)

The Reds’ argument that Molla Wague was in a position to cover Benalouane was rejected by the appeals panel, who upheld his ban.

But O’Neill believes the rules should be altered to allow clubs some degree of comeback in situations like the one faced by Colback, who is serving a three-game ban after being very harshly booked for simulation, following an incident that O’Neill remains convinced should have resulted in a penalty.

“I do think there should be scope to appeal yellow cards, particularly when they lead to suspensions,” said O’Neill. “That was really harsh.

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“Him getting 15 bookings in a season is a totally different issue. To miss six games in a season through suspension is ludicrous. But I am talking about that incident and it looked like a penalty, all day long.”

Manager Martin O'Neill (Image: Dan Westwell)

O’Neill also confirmed Forest had unsuccessfully tried to have Benalouane’s ban overturned.

“We did appeal it, yes. And we lost the appeal. It came in quite late,” said O’Neill.